Royal Navy divers from Bravo Squadron, part of the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group, have been honoured with the military's highest humanitarian award, the Firmin Sword of Peace. The award was presented at a ceremony at the Hampshire base, recognising their efforts throughout 2024.
In February 2024, the unit safely removed a 500kg World War Two bomb in Plymouth, which led to the evacuation of thousands of people and the closure of city roads and train services. Later that year, in December, they also safely removed a 1,000kg WW2 bomb discovered in Southsea during work on new sea defences.
Earlier this week, the squadron moved an unexploded World War Two bomb out to sea from Falmouth, which is scheduled for detonation next week. Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Benjamin Brown stated that the squadron's work "embodies the very spirit of the Firmin Sword of Peace: selfless service, protection of life and humanitarian impact."